Professional golfer Natalie Gulbis has built a fascinating career that extends far beyond the golf course. Born in Sacramento, California, this Latvian-American athlete became one of the most recognizable faces in women’s golf during her prime years on the LPGA Tour. Her journey from teenage prodigy to accomplished professional has been marked by both triumph and controversy.
In this article, you will learn about Natalie Gulbis’ net worth, career earnings, career overview, statistics, relationship details, and her unique path through professional golf. You’ll also discover her television ventures, business pursuits, and the personal challenges that shaped her remarkable two-decade career.
Natalie Gulbis’ Biography
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Natalie Anne Gulbis |
| Date of Birth | January 7, 1983 |
| Age | 42 years old (as of 2025) |
| Education | University of Arizona (one year) |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 5’9″ (175 cm) |
| Weight | |
| Turned Professional | July 2001 |
| Net Worth | Estimated $4 million (2025) |
| Career Earnings | $4,898,506+ |
| Husband | Josh Rodarmel (married December 2013) |
| @nataliegulbis | |
| @natalie_gulbis |
Early Career
Natalie Gulbis discovered golf at the remarkably young age of four, primarily because of her father’s passion for the game. Born to John and Barbara Gulbis as their only child, she demonstrated exceptional talent from the very beginning.
By age seven, she had already won her first tournament, showcasing the natural ability that would define her career. At ten years old, she was consistently breaking par, a feat that few junior golfers achieve at such a young age.
Her amateur career reached unprecedented heights when she qualified for and played in her first LPGA Tour event at just 14 years old. This achievement made her one of the youngest players ever to compete at the professional level.
During her high school years at Granite Bay High School, she was the top player on the boys’ golf team, graduating at the remarkably young age of 16. Her dominance in junior golf continued when she won the California Women’s Amateur Championship in 1997 at age 14.
After accepting a golf scholarship to the University of Arizona, she joined the 2000 national championship team alongside future LPGA star Lorena Ochoa. Her collegiate career was brief but highly successful, earning first-team All-America honors during her freshman year.
She recorded six top-10 finishes in 10 tournaments and maintained a 72.50 stroke average. Despite her success at Arizona, she made the difficult decision to turn professional in July 2001 at age 18, believing the timing was right to pursue her professional dreams.
Professional Career
Gulbis earned her LPGA Tour card for the 2002 season after finishing tied for third at the LPGA Final Qualifying Tournament in October 2001. Her early professional years were marked by consistent performance and gradual improvement, though her first victory remained elusive for several seasons.
The breakthrough in her career came during 2005 when she finished sixth on the LPGA money list with over $1 million in earnings, demonstrating her ability to compete at the highest level.
Her professional highlight came at the 2007 Evian Masters in France, where she captured her first and only LPGA Tour victory. In a dramatic playoff against Jeong Jang, she secured the win with a two-putt birdie on the first extra hole, earning $450,000 and validating years of hard work.
This victory capped off a period where she placed in the top 10 in four consecutive major championships from the 2005 LPGA Championship to the 2006 Kraft Nabisco Championship.
Throughout her career, Gulbis represented the United States on three victorious Solheim Cup teams in 2005, 2007, and 2009, compiling a 5-4-1 record in team competition. However, her later career was significantly impacted by chronic back problems that required multiple surgeries.
She underwent six major back surgeries throughout her career, which limited her practice time to three hours per day and affected her competitive schedule. In January 2020, she announced her retirement from full-time competition, though she has occasionally returned for special events.
Caddie
Throughout her professional career, Natalie Gulbis worked with several experienced caddies, most notably Greg Sheridan, who became a significant figure in her golfing journey.
Sheridan was an old-school caddie with a generous spirit who had previously worked with golf legends including Kathy Whitworth, carrying the bag for Whitworth’s 88th and final LPGA title. He joined Gulbis’ team sometime in 2003 or 2004 and became much more than just a caddie.
Gulbis described Sheridan as her “best friend out there every single day” and credited him with being instrumental in her development as a professional golfer. He was known throughout the tour as one of the winningest caddies on the LPGA, with approximately 50 victories during his career. Sheridan used to joke with Gulbis that she had disrupted his winning streak, as her 2007 Evian Masters victory was the only tour win during their partnership.
Tragically, Sheridan was diagnosed with brain and lung cancer in July 2016. Despite doctors initially giving him until Thanksgiving 2016, he courageously battled the disease for an additional year before passing away on November 22, 2017, at age 63.
Gulbis maintained close contact with him until the end, even FaceTiming with him the night before he passed away. His death marked the end of a meaningful professional relationship that had lasted over a decade.
Natalie Gulbis’ Net Worth Details
Natalie Gulbis’ estimated net worth in 2025 stands at approximately $4 million.
Career Earnings
| Year Range | Status | Estimated Earnings |
| 2002-2006 | Early LPGA Career | $1,500,000+ |
| 2007 | Breakthrough Season | $1,200,000+ |
| 2008-2012 | Peak Years | $1,800,000+ |
| 2013-2016 | Injury-Affected | $400,000+ |
| 2017-2020 | Limited Schedule | $200,000+ |
| Career Total | LPGA Tour | $4,898,506+ |
Endorsements
Gulbis assembled an impressive endorsement portfolio that significantly boosted her earning potential beyond tournament prize money. Her commercial appeal led to partnerships with more than 25 companies during her peak years, including major brands like Canon USA, MasterCard, RSM McGladrey, TaylorMade, Adidas, and Michelob Ultra.
These deals typically included product endorsements, logo placements on her clothing and equipment, and personal appearance requirements.
Her most lucrative endorsement relationships came through her marketing appeal that transcended traditional golf demographics. Companies in high-end fashion, cosmetics, jewelry, and lifestyle categories sought her endorsement, recognizing her crossover potential beyond the golf world.
Notable partnerships included deals with Lexus, EA Sports, Sky Caddy, and Lake Las Vegas Resort, where she resided for several years.
Her commercial success was largely attributed to her willingness to embrace media attention and her ability to attract both golf fans and mainstream audiences through her various television and media appearances.
Career Statistics
| Statistic | Value |
| LPGA Tour Wins | 1 |
| Career Top-10 Finishes | 37 |
| Best Major Finish | Top 10 (Multiple) |
| Years as Professional | 2001-2020 |
| Career Money Ranking | #96 All-Time |
| Total Career Earnings | $4,898,506 |
| Solheim Cup Appearances | 3 (2005, 2007, 2009) |
| Solheim Cup Record | 5-4-1 |
| Professional Victories | 4 total |
| LPGA Events Played | 351 |
| Best Season Ranking | 6th (2005 Money List) |
| Years with $1M+ Earnings | 1 (2005) |
FAQs
1. What was Natalie Gulbis’ biggest career achievement?
Her greatest achievement was winning the 2007 Evian Masters in France, defeating Jeong Jang in a playoff for her first and only LPGA Tour victory, earning $450,000.
2. Why did Natalie Gulbis retire from professional golf?
She retired in 2020 due to chronic back problems that required six major surgeries throughout her career, limiting her practice time and competitive effectiveness on tour.
3. What television shows was Natalie Gulbis involved with?
She hosted “The Natalie Gulbis Show” on Golf Channel and co-hosted “18 Holes,” a popular golf lifestyle and destination show that aired in over 85 million homes.
4. How many Solheim Cup teams did Gulbis play on?
She represented the United States on three victorious Solheim Cup teams in 2005, 2007, and 2009, compiling a 5-4-1 overall record in team competition.
5. What controversy surrounded Natalie Gulbis during her career?
Her 2005 swimsuit calendar was banned by the USGA from being sold at the U.S. Women’s Open for being deemed too provocative, though she openly embraced the attention it generated.
